Original artwork description:

Xu Bin's original oil painting "Dunhuang - Dreams of Yumen Pass II" is a captivating and thought-provoking work of art that invites the viewer to contemplate both the rich history of Dunhuang and their own personal journey through life.

The painting depicts the historical site of Yumen Pass, which has gone through numerous vicissitudes over the centuries. Only a small earthen city building remains, with a banner on the top of the tower serving as a poignant reminder of the pass's past prosperity and glory.

Behind the pass, a film stretches from the city wall to the ground, recording the pass's long and storied history. The film is stacked layer by layer, and a school of fish swims across its surface, representing the past prosperity that once existed here. Long ago, an ocean covered this land, and the fish serve as a powerful symbol of the vibrant life that once thrived in this now-desolate place.

In the foreground of the painting, a small boat emits a beam of strong light, illuminating the tower next to the painter. The invitation of history is strong, and the painter sitting on the city tower is lost in deep thought, contemplating not just the history of Dunhuang but also his own personal journey through life.

Behind the pass, there is a very small door that has been broken for a long time. A tourist descends the stairs, serving as a doppelganger of the painter himself in another time period. He explores the history of the pass and the wider region, but also reflects on his own experiences and mental journey.

Taken as a whole, "Dunhuang - Dreams of Yumen Pass II" is a powerful and moving tribute to the enduring nature of human civilization. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one's own journey through life. Through his evocative use of light, color, and symbolism, Xu Bin has created a work of art that will linger in the mind long after it has been seen.

Materials used:

oil paints

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